Webb Simpson's missed opportunity last year

Defending U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson talked about him trying to do something that hasn't been in done in 24 years and getting his work done around weather issues this week.

Here is a sampling:

On there being no repeat champion the last 24 years: It doesn't surprise me. The biggest factor is the courses change every year. .. Merion is a totally different type golf course than Olympic. .. For example, I think short hitters have a lot better chance of winning this tournament this year than some of the longer courses.

You only played nine holes Sunday. Were you able to play at all yesterday?: I didn't. I was going to play nine holes, but my radar kept telling me not to.

How would Merion play if it were hard and fast?: It would be totally different. A good example is hole No. 5, long holes, fairway is right to left. It's a lot like Olympic where the fairways are sloped. If it's dry you can hit the ball up the left side of the fairway, land in the fairway and it goes into the water. Now it will hit and stop.

Emotions of last year leading up to U.S. Open win: I fly out (to San Francisco) on Sunday. My wife calls me on Monday and says, "I was going to try to not tell you but I think you should know, James (his son) he walked. He took a few steps. First-time dad, I'm crushed, I missed it. I was so, I guess, rude and mean to my caddie that, Paul, he thought I was firing him that week.